"Although [energy drinks] and [energy shots] contain a number of nutrients that are purported to affect mental and/or physical performance, the primary ergogenic nutrients in most [energy drinks] and [energy shots] appear to be carbohydrate and/or caffeine. The ergogenic value of caffeine on mental and physical performance has been well-established but the potential additive benefits of other nutrients contained in [energy drinks] and [energy shots] remains to be determined."

The group also advises that children and adolescents should get parental approval before consuming energy drinks. In addition, the group states that, for everyone, "Indiscriminant use of [energy drinks] or [energy shots], especially if more than one serving per day is consumed, may lead to adverse events and harmful side effects."

The group's position paper adds to much recent cautionary advice about energy drinks.

In November the FDA released adverse-event reports for two popular brands of energy drinks. As we reported last month, a literature review published in Nutrition Reviews concluded that the extra ingredients found in energy drinks, such as taurine, yerba mate and various vitamins, don't provide extra energy. A New York Times story earlier this week summarized many of the doubts and warnings nutritionists and other experts have about the drinks.